There was yet another pause as Colin mulled over this information as well.
“Then the solution to this is relatively straightforward. You’re a rational man, Tony, you don’t need me to tell you what comes next.”
Anthony’s heart sank, it was just the answer he dreaded.
“But Cole, I don’t know what to do— Or rather, I know what I have to do, but can’t you see? It’s growing increasingly difficult to do so day by day.”
Colin cautioned him gravely, “All the more reason to put an end to this now, Tony.” He emphasized his words by repeatedly hitting his fist on the table. “Emotions are like fire, they are best kept in check early. You yourself know this.”
“Yes, old boy, but I just— It’s not so simple as you say. If I could switch it off, then I would. But when I’m around her, I can’t help myself.”
Colin leaned forward, “Would you like some extra motivation, then? No problem, I can help you with that. Tony, as your closest friend, I would do anything for your happiness.”
“What is more, if this was simply about having fun, then we would be having a discussion of a different tone. However, you are clearly starting to become over-attached to her. If anyone were to find out about your feelings, it would cause quite a scandal for the both of you. And all the more so if you somehow got it into your mind to try and marry her.”
Anthony irritably swatted away a fly. “I just— As Duke of this estate and head of this family, shouldn’t I be able to marry or become infatuated with whomever I please? After all, it’s not like my parents are here to object.”
Colin shook his head. “While that is technically true, Tony, once again, we need to be rational. If you disgrace the Ambrose name with a poor choice in marriage, then you would ruin Lady Cecilia’s chances of finding a decent husband as well.”
“Furthermore, do you think Miss Meyer would be happy? She would be ostracized and viewed as most undeserving of you. If you, in spite of your prestigious upbringing, have trouble understanding societal politics and keeping with the strict upper-class conventions, then can you imagine how challenging it would be for Miss Meyer?”
Anthony didn’t need to say anything in return; he and Colin both knew that everything he had pointed out thus far was nothing but the cold, hard truth.
Colin concluded, “My honest advice, as your closest friend, is to get your feelings under control as quickly as possible. If you don’t, the consequences could be far-reaching and terrible.”
The men stopped their conversation as Kenneth and the ladies scooped up the kittens and began returning to the garden table.
“You know what, Tony? These cats aren’t half bad. I’d be more than willing to take Herbert off your hands if he’s proving too much trouble for you.”
Anthony squinted at him, “Don’t you dare start with that now, Kenny. I offered you a kitten weeks ago. You could have claimed him then, but you didn’t. Right, give him here.”
After several minutes of conversation, Anthony reminded everyone that they still had a party to plan. It was already eleven o’clock and he was anxious to accomplish as much as possible before luncheon.
As everyone stood up to go back inside, Fletcher came to meet them, “Miss Meyer, the orphanage has forwarded you a letter.”
Surprised, Miss Meyer stepped forward to collect the letter from Mr. Fletcher. She froze as she read the name and address. It was unclear to Anthony whether she was pleased or uneasy to see who it was from.
Dazed, Miss Meyer begged leave. As she walked away tightly clutching Archimedes the kitten and the letter, Anthony strained and just managed to catch a glimpse of the name on the outside: Ian Lockhart.
Indeed, quite a lot was going on in Anthony’s life at the moment. He had to carefully consider the advice that Colin had given him. He had to care for his responsibilities as host, his responsibilities as an older brother, as a new pet owner; but most important of all, he needed to find out who on God’s green earth this Ian Lockhart was.
Chapter 17
Meredith leaned against her bedroom door after hastily shutting it behind her. She hadn’t thought of Ian in many years, and now here was a letter in writing that was now considerably neater, but still recognizable. She opened the letter:
My dearest Meredith,
Please forgive me for being unable to contact you all of these years. I think it will come as no surprise to you that I have been consumed with my new life. But please understand that I never forgot my roots, or you. In fact, I shall be in town quite soon on business, possibly by the time you receive this letter.
I wish to pay a visit to the orphanage on Sunday, the 10th of May. If at all possible, I hope to see you there.
Your friend,
I. Lockhart
Dazed, Meredith slumped onto the floor. No words could describe the mix of emotions she was feeling at the moment. She was going to see Ian tomorrow.
She closed her eyes and thought back to her last memory of him. It was about eight years ago when he had hugged her goodbye, patted her head, and set off with his adoptive parents.
